Fracture resistance and failure mode of endodontically treated premolars reconstructed by different preparation approaches: Cervical margin relocation and crown lengthening with complete and partial ferrule with three different post and core systems.

PURPOSE: To assess the fracture resistance and failure mode of endodontically treated premolars reconstructed by different preparation approaches: cervical margin relocation (CMR) and crown lengthening (CL) with complete ferrule (CLF) and partial ferrule (CLPF) with three different post and core systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro study, 100 maxillary premolars were assigned to the following 10 groups according to their preparation approach and type of post and core system (n = 10): (I) control (intact teeth), (II) prefabricated fiber post (PFP) and composite core with CMR (PFP-CMR), (III) polyethylene fiber-reinforced composite (PEFRC) with CMR (PEFRC-CMR), (IV) casting post (CP) and core with CMR (CP-CMR), (V) PFP-CLPF, (VI) PEFRC-CLPF, (VII) CP-CLPF, (VIII) PFP-CLF, (IX) PEFRC-CLF, and (X) CP-CLF. After thermomechanical loading, the fracture resistance and failure mode were assessed. Data were analyzed statistically (α = 0.05). RESULTS: In all post and core systems, the CLPF approach had lower fracture resistance than CMR (p < 0.05); CLF showed higher fracture resistance than CLPF only in the PFP system (p = 0.038). In PEFRC and CP systems, the difference between CLF and CLPF was not significant (p > 0.05). No significant difference was found in fracture resistance of different post and core systems with the same preparation approach (p > 0.05). CLPF showed the highest frequency of favorable, and CLF showed the highest frequency of unfavorable fractures. CONCLUSION: CLPF yielded lower fracture resistance than CMR. The difference in fracture resistance was not significant between CLF and CMR but the frequency of unfavorable fractures was higher in CLF than in other groups.

Comparison of mechanical properties, surface roughness, and color stability of 3D-printed and conventional heat-polymerizing denture base materials.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Studies on the mechanical, optical, and surface properties of 3-dimensionally (3D) printed denture base materials are scarce, and those available have reported conflicting results. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the mechanical properties, surface roughness, and color stability of 3D-printed and conventional heat-polymerizing denture base materials. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 34 rectangular specimens (64×10×3.3 mm) were fabricated from each of the conventional (SR Triplex Hot; Ivoclar AG) and 3D-printed (Denta base; Asiga) denture base materials. All specimens underwent coffee thermocycling for 5000 cycles, and half in each group (n=17) were evaluated in terms of color parameters, color change (ΔE00), and surface roughness (Ra) before and after coffee thermocycling. The specimens then underwent a 3-point bend test. The remaining specimens in each group (n=17) underwent impact strength and Vickers hardness testing. Data were analyzed by the paired samples, independent samples, and Wilcoxon signed rank tests (α=.05). RESULTS: The color change caused by coffee thermocycling in the 3D-printed group was higher than that in the conventional group (P<.001). Surface roughness significantly increased in both groups after coffee thermocycling (P<.001). The conventional group had higher surface roughness before coffee thermocycling, while the 3D-printed group had higher surface roughness after coffee thermocycling (P<.001). The flexural strength, flexural modulus, and surface hardness in the conventional group were significantly higher than those in the 3D-printed group (P<.001). However, the impact strength of the conventional group was lower than that of the 3D-printed group (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The 3D-printed denture base material showed higher impact strength and surface roughness than the conventional heat-polymerizing acrylic resin. However, flexural strength and modulus, surface hardness, and color stability were lower in the 3D-printed group.

Marginal and internal fit and fracture resistance of three-unit provisional restorations fabricated by additive, subtractive, and conventional methods.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the marginal and internal fit and fracture resistance of three-unit provisional fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) fabricated by additive, subtractive, and conventional methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty 3-unit FDPs were fabricated on metal dies of the maxillary right second premolar and second molar by four different techniques (n = 20): The direct method by using autopolymerizing polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), indirect method by the compression molding technique, subtractive manufacturing by using PMMA blocks, and additive manufacturing by using digital light processing technology. The adaptation of restorations at the marginal, axial, cuspal, and fossa areas was assessed by using the silicone replica technique. After thermocycling and cyclic loading, the fracture resistance was measured by a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed by a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), ANOVA, and Tukey test (α = .05). RESULTS: The mean gap measured in the additive group was lower than that in all other groups at all points (p < .05); however, the difference in the marginal gap with the subtractive group was not significant (p = .995). The mean marginal and axial gaps in the subtractive group were significantly lower than the corresponding values in both conventional groups (p < .05). A significant difference existed between all groups regarding the mean cuspal and fossa gaps (p < .05). The mean fracture resistance of the additive group was significantly higher than that of indirect (p = .018) and direct (p < .001) groups, and the fracture resistance of the subtractive group was significantly higher than that of the direct group (p = .020). CONCLUSION: The digitally fabricated provisional FDPs showed superior marginal and internal fit and higher fracture resistance than the conventionally fabricated FDPs. Between the digital methods, the additive technique yielded superior internal fit.

Effect of Different Surface Treatments and Orthodontic Bracket Type on Shear Bond Strength of High-Translucent Zirconia: An In Vitro Study.

Objective: Considering the increasing number of adults seeking orthodontic treatment, and the possible need for bracket bonding to monolithic zirconia restorations, knowledge about the preferred type of bracket (metal/ceramic) and the most efficient surface treatment is imperative to achieve acceptable shear bond strength (SBS). This study aimed to assess the effect of different surface treatments and orthodontic bracket types on SBS of high-translucent zirconia. Materials and Methods: Totally, 248 disc-shaped zirconia specimens were assigned to two groups for bonding to metal and ceramic brackets. Each group was divided into four subgroups (n = 31) for the following surface treatments: no surface treatment (control group), airborne-particle abrasion (APA), tribochemical silica coating with CoJet, and CO2 laser irradiation. The mean surface roughness (Ra value) was measured. The SBS was measured after bracket bonding and thermocycling. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA, Tukey, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, and Fisher exact tests, and Bonferroni correction (α=0.05). Results: The mean Ra value was significantly different among the surface treatment subgroups (P < 0.001). The APA and CoJet subgroups were not significantly different regarding Ra (P=0.754). All other pairwise comparisons yielded significant differences (P < 0.001). Bracket type, surface treatment, and their interaction significantly affected the SBS (P < 0.001). Ceramic brackets bonded to zirconia surfaces treated with CoJet yielded the maximum SBS while ceramic brackets bonded to control and lased surfaces resulted in minimum SBS. No significant difference was noted in the SBS of different surface treatment groups when metal brackets were used (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The use of ceramic brackets and CoJet surface treatment would be the most appropriate combination to achieve optimal bonding to high-translucent zirconia restorations.

Effect of different surface treatments on surface roughness and flexural strength of repaired 3D-printed denture base: An in vitro study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Information regarding three-dimensional-printed (3D-printed) dentures, especially when using the additive manufacturing technique, and the repair strength of this type of denture is sparse. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the effect of different surface treatments on the surface roughness and flexural strength of repaired 3D-printed denture base. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty 3D-printed bar-shaped specimens were fabricated from acrylic resin and divided into 6 groups (n=20). The positive control group consisted of intact specimens. The other specimens were sectioned in half with a 1-mm gap. Except for the specimens in the negative control group, the remaining specimens were treated with erbium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser, airborne-particle abrasion, a combination of laser and airborne-particle abrasion, and bur grinding. All sectioned specimens were repaired by autopolymerizing acrylic resin and thermocycled after measuring their surface roughness with a profilometer. The flexural strength test was performed with a universal testing machine. One specimen of each group was inspected under a scanning electron microscope. The data were analyzed with ANOVA, followed by the Games-Howell post hoc test or the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Mann-Whitney test with Bonferroni adjustment. RESULTS: The mean flexural strength of the PC group was significantly higher than that of all repaired groups (P<.001). All surface-treated groups showed significantly higher flexural strength (P<.05) and surface roughness (P<.004) than the negative control group. Bur grinding provided significantly higher flexural strength than other surface treatments (P<.001) and higher surface roughness than laser and airborne-particle abrasion plus laser (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: All surface treatments significantly increased the surface roughness and flexural strength, but none of them yielded a strength comparable with that of the intact group. Bur grinding provided the highest flexural strength.

Accuracy of digital bitewing radiographs with and without applying horizontal tube shift in the diagnosis of residual excess cement around dental implants: an in vitro study / Precisión de las radiografías digitales bitewing con y sin aplicación de desplazamiento horizontal del tubo en el diagnóstico del exceso de cemento residual alrededor de los implantes dentales: un estudio in vitro

Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic value of digital Bitewing (BW) radiographs with and without horizontal tube shift in detecting Residual excess cement (REC) on the proximal and non-proximal surfaces of implant restorations. Material and Methods: Eight mandibular models were fabricated with two implants placed on each side in the premolar and first molar positions. Excess cement was applied to either proximal or non-proximal surfaces of the restorations intentionally during the process of crown cementation. BW radiographs with and without applying horizontal tube shift were acquired. Three maxillofacial radiologists were asked to determine the presence and location of REC in the radiographs. Sensitivity and specificity of the radiographic technique were assessed according to the restoration surface that contained REC. Results: Sensitivity of BW radiographs was 100% for the detection of REC on the proximal surfaces and 41-18, 80% on the non-proximal surfaces. Specificity of the technique was 85.71%-100% for the proximal surfaces and 75-94. 12% for the non-proximal areas. Specificity of the radiographic method was generally greater than its sensitivity for the non-proximal surfaces while in the proximal areas, the two variables had quite similar values. Conclusion: Digital BW radiography is generally more useful for detection of REC on the proximal surfaces. Higher specificity of this technique for the bucco-lingual surfaces suggests more reliability of the negative diagnoses in the non-proximal areas.

Objetivo: Evaluar el valor diagnóstico de las radiografías digitales bitewing (BW), con y sin desplazamiento horizontal del tubo, para detectar el exceso de cemento residual (ECR) en las superficies proximales y no proximales de las restauraciones con implantes. Material y Métodos: Se fabricaron ocho modelos mandibulares con dos implantes colocados a cada lado en las posiciones premolar y primer molar. El exceso de cemento se aplicó intencionalmente en las superficies proximales o no proximales de las restauraciones durante el proceso de cementación de la corona. Se adquirieron radiografías BW con y sin aplicación de desplazamiento horizontal del tubo. Se pidió a tres radiólogos maxilofaciales que determinaran la presencia y ubicación de ECR en las radiografías. La sensibilidad y la especificidad de la técnica radiográfica se evaluaron según la superficie de restauración que contenía ECR. Resultados: La sensibilidad de las radiografías de BW fue del 100% para la detección de ECR en las superficies proximales y del 41,18-80% en las superficies no proximales. La especificidad de la técnica fue 85-71, 100% para las superficies proximales y 75-94, 12% para las áreas no proximales. La especificidad del método radiográfico fue generalmente mayor que su sensibilidad para las superficies no proximales, mientras que en las áreas proximales, las dos variables tuvieron valores bastante similares. Conclusión: La radiografía digital BW es generalmente más útil para la detección de ECR en las superficies proximales. La mayor especificidad de esta técnica para las superficies buco-linguales sugiere una mayor confiabilidad de los diagnósticos negativos en las áreas no proximales.

Comparison of Success Rates of Cone Beam Computed Tomography in the Retrieval of Metal-Ceramic vs All-Ceramic Implant-Supported Restorations: An In Vitro Study.

PURPOSE: To assess the success rates of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in identifying the locations and directions of abutment screw access holes (ASAHs) in metal-ceramic and all-ceramic implant restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two implants were inserted into four clear acrylic casts. Metal-ceramic and all-ceramic crowns were placed on the inserted implants in two successive tasks. A maxillofacial radiologist determined the locations and angles of the ASAHs based on the CBCT images that were taken from the casts. Locations obtained from the CBCT images were carefully transferred to the crowns as access points. A prosthodontist pierced the crowns along the proposed access points and in the direction determined based on the CBCT images. Proper crown removal was considered to be the mark of success of CBCT in detecting ASAH location and direction. Fisher exact and chi-square tests were used to compare the results between the two types of restoration. RESULTS: Success rates of CBCT for defining ASAH location and direction were, respectively, 96.9% and 93.8% in metal-ceramic restorations and 78.1% and 59.4% in all-ceramic restorations. There were no significant differences between the two restoration types regarding the detection of location in either molar (P = .333) or premolar (P = .226) crowns. Abutment angle did not affect the success rate of CBCT in determining ASAH location or direction in metal-ceramic restorations. CONCLUSION: CBCT images define the locations and directions of ASAHs in metal-ceramic restorations more reliably than in all-ceramic restorations. In contrast to the metal-ceramic crowns, the success rate of CBCT in all-ceramic crowns is more dependent on abutment angle and crown morphology.

Marginal gap of monolithic zirconia endocrowns fabricated by using digital scanning and conventional impressions.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The digital scanning technique has been introduced as an alternative to the conventional impression technique for the fabrication of fixed restorations. However, adequate information is not available on the efficacy of digital scanning for the fabrication of endocrowns regarding their marginal accuracy. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the marginal gap of endocrowns fabricated by computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technology and digital scanning and conventional impression techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An endodontically treated mandibular molar tooth was prepared to receive an endocrown. The impressions were made by using the conventional impression technique with polyvinyl siloxane material (n=11) and digital scanning by using an intraoral scanner (n=11). Endocrowns were fabricated from monolithic zirconia blocks by using a milling machine. Each restoration was seated on the prepared tooth, and the marginal gap was measured by using a video measuring machine at 8 points under magnification. The mean marginal gap for each restoration and the overall mean marginal gap for each group were calculated. Data were analyzed by using a statistical software program. Marginal gaps were compared with the Mann-Whitney U test (α=.05). RESULTS: The mean marginal gap was 74 µm for the conventional impression group. A similar mean marginal gap (70 µm) was found for the digital scanning group. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups (P=.375). CONCLUSIONS: The digital scanning technique and the conventional impression technique yielded crowns with comparable marginal adaptation.

Marginal adaptation of zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate overlays with different preparation designs.

OBJECTIVE: Following the advent of strong adhesive bonding, the conservative tooth preparation designs without a retentive form gained increasing popularity. This study aimed to evaluate the marginal adaptation of zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) overlays with different preparation designs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty sound human maxillary first molars were collected and divided into four groups (n = 10) according to their preparation design for the fabrication of ZLS overlays: (O) anatomical occlusal reduction, (OS) anatomical occlusal reduction with rounded shoulder, (OG) anatomical occlusal reduction with a central groove, and (OSG) anatomical occlusal reduction with rounded shoulder and central groove. A video measuring machine (VMM) was used to measure the marginal gap. Statistical analysis was carried out using one-way ANOVA followed by paired t test and Tukey's test (α = .05). RESULTS: The gap size was significantly different between the groups both before (P = .004) and after (P = .008) cementation, and it was significantly smaller in group O than group OSG (P = .002 before and P = .004 after cementation). Marginal gap increased in all groups following cementation (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Group O showed comparable marginal adaptation with groups OS and OG while group OSG with the most complex design showed the lowest marginal adaptation for ZLS overlays. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: According to the results of this in vitro study, it may be stated that for defect-free teeth requiring occlusal restoration, the occlusal surface preparation alone would suffice to achieve optimal marginal adaptation, and retentive and more invasive preparation designs are not required.

Effect of Tooth Preparation Design on Fracture Resistance of Zirconia-Reinforced Lithium Silicate Overlays.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of tooth preparation design on fracture resistance of zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate overlays. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study evaluated 50 human maxillary first molars with no caries, restorations or anatomical defects. The teeth were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10/group) based on preparation design for the fabrication of overlay restorations: (O) anatomical occlusal reduction, (OS) anatomical occlusal reduction with round shoulder preparation, (OG) anatomical occlusal reduction with a central groove, (OSG) anatomical occlusal reduction with round shoulder preparation and central groove, and (C) no preparation of tooth (control group). All restorations were fabricated using zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (Vita Suprinity). The specimens underwent thermomechanical fatigue loading in a masticatory simulator (1.2 million cycles at 98 N). Fracture resistance was measured using a universal testing machine. The mode of failure was determined as well. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-hoc test, paired t-test and Fisher's exact test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Group O showed significantly higher fracture resistance than groups OG and OSG (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively). The fracture resistance of group OS was significantly higher than that of group OSG (p = 0.008). The fracture resistance of the control group was significantly higher than that of OG and OSG (p = 0.001) and had no significant difference with other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Group O (anatomical occlusal reduction alone), which had the most conservative preparation design, yielded the highest fracture resistance.

Coronal Microleakage of Teeth Restored with Cast Posts and Cores Cemented with Four Different Luting Agents after Thermocycling.

PURPOSE: The apical seal provided by a root canal filling may be breached via coronal leakage. This study aimed to compare the teeth restored with custom-made cast metal posts and cores cemented with different luting agents in terms of coronal microleakage after thermocycling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This in vitro study was conducted on 32 extracted single-canal teeth. Root canals were prepared by step-back technique and filled with gutta percha and sealer. The coronal 7 mm of gutta percha was removed, and post space was prepared using peeso reamers #2 and #3 consecutively. After fabricating the acrylic resin patterns of the posts and cores, they were cast using Ni-Cr metal alloy. The specimens were divided into 4 groups in which the castings were cemented using one of the following luting agents: zinc phosphate (ZP), glass ionomer (GI), Panavia F 2.0, and Speed CEM. After cementation, the teeth were immersed in distilled water and incubated for 7 days. Then, the teeth were subjected to thermocycling, immersed in silver nitrate for 6 hours, and finally sectioned. The degree of dye penetration into the coronal part of the specimens was measured using a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitey U tests with significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: The median microleakage in ZP, Speed CEM, GI, and Panavia were 171.89, 114.76, 26.51, and 20.02 µm, respectively. Pairwise comparisons among GI and ZP, GI, and Speed CEM, ZP and Panavia, ZP and Speed CEM, and Panavia and Speed CEM groups yielded significant differences (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Complete coronal seal was not achieved with any of the luting agents. The highest and the lowest degree of microleakage was yielded by ZP and Panavia luting agents, respectively.

Evaluation of the success rate of cone beam computed tomography in determining the location and direction of screw access holes in cement-retained implant-supported prostheses: An in vitro study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Cement-retained implant-supported restorations have advantages over screw-retained restorations but are difficult to retrieve. Identifying the approximate location of the screw access hole (SAH) may reduce damage to the prosthesis. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the ability of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging to determine the location and direction of SAHs in cement-retained implant prostheses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five clear acrylic resin casts were made based on a mandibular model. Several implant osteotomies (n=30) were created on the models with surgical burs, and crowns were made using the standard laboratory method with a transfer coping and the closed tray impression technique. CBCT images from the acrylic resin casts were evaluated by a maxillofacial radiologist who was blind to the locations and angles of the osteotomies. The locations of the access holes were determined on multiplanar reconstruction images and transferred to the clinical crown surface as defined points. Based on cross-sectional images, the predicted angle of the access hole was provided to a prosthodontist who was requested to pierce the crown at the proposed location in the specified direction. If the location and/or direction of the access hole were found, the process was considered successful, as the crown could then be removed from the implant abutment through the SAH. The success rate in the detection of the location and direction of the SAH was calculated, and chi-square and Fisher exact tests were applied for data analysis (α=.05). RESULTS: According to the results of this study, the success rate of CBCT to define the location of SAHs was 83.3% and 80% to determine the direction. No significant differences were found among the different dental groups in determination of the location (P=.79) or the direction (P=.53) of the SAHs. Most of the failures in determining the location and direction of the access hole in the buccolingual and mesiodistal directions were in the buccal and mesial locations of the SAH. The success rate of using CBCT to determine the location of SAHs in straight abutments was 100%. A significant difference was found between angled and straight abutments (P=.042). CONCLUSIONS: Using CBCT could help determine the direction and location of SAHs in clinical situations.

The Accuracy of Four Impression-making Techniques in Angulated Implants Based on Vertical Gap.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Precision of the impression taken from implant positions significantly determines accurate fit of implant-supported prostheses. An imprecise impression may produce prosthesis misfit. PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of four impression-making techniques for angulated implants by stereomicroscope through measuring the vertical marginal gaps between the cemented metal framework and the implant analog. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A definitive cast with two 15° mesially angulated implants served as the standard reference for making all the impressions and later for accuracy evaluation. Four groups of five samples were evaluated: (1) closed-tray snap-fit transfer, (2) open-tray nonsplinted impression coping, (3) metal splinted impression coping, and (4) fabricated acrylic resin transfer cap. A gold-palladium framework was fabricated over the angulated implant abutments, the fit of which was used as reference. The gaps between the metal framework and the implant analogs were measured in sample groups. Corresponding means for each technique and the definitive cast were compared by using ANOVA and post hoc tests. RESULTS: The mean marginal gap was 38.16±0µm in definitive cast, 89±19.74µm in group 1, 78.66±20.63µm in group 2, 54.16±24.29µm in group 3, and 55.83±18.30µm in group 4. ANOVA revealed significant differences between the definitive cast and groups 1 and 2, but not with groups 3 and 4 (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Vertical gap measurements showed that metal splinted impression coping and fabricated acrylic resin transfer cap techniques produced quite more accurate impressions than closed-tray snap-fit transfer and open-tray nonsplinted impression coping techniques do. The fabricated acrylic resin transfer cap technique seems to be a reliable impression-making method.

Frequency of different maxillary sinus septal patterns found on cone-beam computed tomography and predicting the associated risk of sinus membrane perforation during sinus lifting.

PURPOSE: Analyzing different patterns of maxillary sinus septa in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and predicting maxillary sinus membrane perforations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, CBCT images of 222 patients ranging from 20 to 81 years old were evaluated. One hundred fifty-two patients (93 females and 59 males) who had maxillary sinus septa in axial views were included in this study. Cross-sectional images were used to determine classifications of sinus septa and the risk of membrane perforation using a method modified from Al-Faraje et al. Variables of sex, age, and dental status were considered. Chi-squared and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for data analysis (P<.05). RESULTS: In this study, 265 maxillary sinus septal patterns were found. The mean age of the patients was 44.1±14.7 years old. The Class I and VII-div II patterns had the greatest and least prevalence, respectively. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between the location of septa and the frequency of membrane perforation risk (P<.05). In this study, the relationship of different patterns of septa with dental status did not differ significantly (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: A higher prevalence of moderate risk of membrane perforation in the molar region relative to the premolar region was observed. Furthermore, maxillary sinus septa occur most frequently in the molar region, demonstrating the importance of paying attention to this region during sinus lift surgery. This study did not show any relationship between tooth loss and the presence of septa.

The effect of repeated torque in small diameter implants with machined and premachined abutments.

BACKGROUND: Detorquing value is an important factor in the amount of preload stresses during abutment screw fastening. This study evaluated the percentage of detorque values in two-piece machined titanium and premachined cast abutments in small diameter implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three groups of five samples were evaluated. Group 1 (G1), machined titanium abutments, group 2 (G2), premachined cast straight abutments that cast with gold-palladium, and group 3 (G3), premachined angled cast abutments that cast with the same alloy, were angled before casting. Each abutment was torque to 24 Ncm according to the manufacturer's instructions and detorqued five times. The means of detorquing and torquing values in all groups were recorded. The mean of detorque in each group as a percentage of the toque value was calculated. The data for all groups were compared and calculated using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-test. RESULTS: Mean detorque values in G1, G2, and G3 were 88.1 ± 1.69, 93.1 ± 2.68, and 80.9 ± 4.95%, respectively. The ANOVA showed significant differences in mean of applied detorque (p < .001) and torque (p = .06) tightening among different groups. G2 had significantly greater detorque values (p < .05). No significant differences were found between G1 and G2. Surprisingly, abutment screw fracture occurred in three samples of G3. CONCLUSIONS: G3 showed significant percentage torque reduction (p < .05) and exhibited abutment screw fracture during evaluation. G2 presented the lowest torque reduction. Screw fracture occurred only in G3.